17
Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18
for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19
So that your trust may be in the Lord,
I teach you today, even you.
20
Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21
teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve?
22
Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court,
23
for the Lord will take up their case
and will exact life for life.
24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
do not associate with one easily angered,
25
or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.
26
Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;
27
if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.
28
Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your ancestors.
29
Do you see someone skilled in their work?
They will serve before kings;
they will not serve before officials of low rank.